Bags Incorporating Recycled Sign Material

ABSTRACT

Bags incorporating recycled sign material are described. The bags can comprise one or multiple layers, including an optional padding layer. The bags can comprise an advertisement of an entity associated with a manufacturer of the bags, thereby allowing entities to prolong the benefits associated with an advertisement. Contemplated bags can also have multiple functions, including for example, storage, transport, safe keeping, seat cushioning and drying mat.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/693,660, filed on Aug. 27, 2012. This and all otherextrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference intheir entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporatedreference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that termprovided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies andthe definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is bags incorporating recycled sign material,and more specifically bags incorporating recycled billboard signmaterial.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Various companies are placing an increased emphasis on utilizing oldproducts to generate new revenue streams. Repurposed Materials™, forexample, sells used vinyl from billboards as construction tarps(http://greenbuildingelements.com/2011/01/31/recycling-billboard-vinyl-as-a-building-tarp/).Companies like Yak Pak™ and TerraCycle™ are working together to providemessenger bags using old billboard vinyl material(http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/products/yak-pak-billboard-backpack.html).Similarly, Vaho™, a Spanish company, has created various types ofbackpacks, tote and messenger bags that incorporate recycled materials(http://vaho.ws/en/proyectos).

Unfortunately, each of these companies has apparently failed toappreciate and utilize many of the benefits (e.g., size, waterproofproperties, etc.) and uses that can be associated with recycled signagematerials.

Thus, there is still a need for improved products that utilize recycledsign materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods inwhich a bag or other accessory comprises a recycled sign material.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag can comprise arecycled sign material and a second material (e.g., recycled signmaterial, cotton, canvas, leather, polyester, etc.). The two materials(and possibly other materials) can compose two or more separate layers,or can compose a single layer. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, or even 90 or morepercent of at least one side of a layer or lining's visible surface (asdefined by a length and a width) can comprise a recycled sign material.Where a bag comprises at least two layers, it can further comprise anoptional padding layer (e.g., a gel, a foam, a gauze, etc.) sandwichedbetween the recycled sign material and second material. It iscontemplated that each of the layers of a bag can comprise recycled signmaterial for increased durability along interior and exterior linings ofthe bag.

The bag can be any suitable type of bag, including for example, a totebag, a backpack, a laptop bag, a lunch bag, a suitcase, an instrumentcase, an instrument bag, a travel bag, a water-board or water sportaccessory bag (e.g., for storing or transporting surfboards, boogieboards, paddle board, paddle, etc.), or any other commercially suitablebag. It is contemplated that some bags can be reversible (i.e., theinterior layer or surface can be used as an exterior layer or surface)for increased versatility. Each bag can have at least a length, a widthand a depth, and bags of all suitable shapes and sizes are contemplated.Some bags, especially water-board or water sport accessory bags can havea length of at least 20, 25, 30, or even 35 or more inches long. A bagcan also have a length to width ratio or a length to depth ratio of atleast 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, or even 20:1 or more.

In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag comprisingrecycled sign material can be associated with a company whoseadvertisement appears on the recycled sign material. Thus, a retailchain such as Whole Foods™ can use the used and expensive advertisementsalready paid for to supply bags (e.g., grocery bags, freezer bags,backpacks, tote bags, etc.) to their customers. This can allow theretail chain to provide high quality bags at a reasonable price, whilecontinuing to obtain the benefits of advertising through its customers.

In yet another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a bag comprisinga recycled sign material and a fastener (e.g., a zipper, drawstring(s),buttons, hook and loop fastener, etc.) can be configured tosubstantially flatten for use as a mat (e.g., a drying mat, etc.). Thebag can comprise an optional padding layer, which is preferably a thinand flexible. It is contemplated that the bag can be used to carry abathing suit, suntan lotion, clothes, socks, or any other suitableitem(s), and simultaneously or alternatively be used to stand on, siton, or change clothes on.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a paddle bag of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a top portion of the bag of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a bag having a padding layer.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a portion of a bag having a grommet.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the inventive subject matter configuredto substantially flatten.

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a tote bag of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a backpack of the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a bag of the inventivesubject matter. Bag 100 comprises a surfboard bag having a length 110, awidth 120 and a depth (not shown but would be apparent from a sideview). Bag 100 includes an exterior layer 140 made at least in part froma recycled material, as well as an interior layer (not shown) and outerperimeter lining 150 (around an outer perimeter of the bag) that is madeat least in part from a second material. Bag 100 further comprises azipper 130 that extends across at least 90% of the length 110, and ahanger 160 that is configured to accept a rod, hook, or other suitableprotrusion.

As used herein, the term “recycled” is used broadly to include upcyclingand downcycling. The recycled sign material is preferably obtained froma billboard sign. Materials used on billboard signs sometimes includetwo vinyl layers and a polyester mesh material (e.g., sandwichedtherein, etc.). However, all suitable recycled sign materials of 1, 2,or even 10 layers are contemplated. Some recycled materials can havethree layers, and at least one of these layers can comprise at least oneof a polyethylene, a cross linked polyethylene foam and a neoprenematerial. These include materials having any degree of flexibility,pliability or stiffness, including for example, a synthetic materialcomprising a polyvinyl chloride, a waterproof material (e.g., materialsincorporating a rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyurethane, a siliconeelastomer, a fluoropolymer, a wax, etc.), a substantially waterproofmaterial or coating (e.g., at least 800 mm waterproof), an at least1,000 mm waterproof material of coating, an at least 2,000 mm waterproofmaterial or coating, an at least 3,000 mm waterproof material coating,an at least 5,000 mm waterproof material or coating, a metal, a plastichaving a UV-protectant additive, a polyethylene, a polyester (eithercoated or uncoated with urethane), a polyester tarp coated withurethane, a woven polypropylene, a vinylic polymer, or a waterproofpolymer tarp.

The second material (and possibly third, fourth, fifth, or even sixth orfurther materials) can comprise any suitable material(s), including forexample, a recycled sign material, a leather, a cotton, a naturalrubber, a synthetic rubber, a vulcanized rubber, a mesh, a webbing, awire, a polyester, a paper, a suede, a metal, a canvas, a duck canvas, aduck cloth, a neoprene or a polyamide.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventivesubject matter. Bag 200 is a backpack that comprises three differenttypes of material that compose at least two different layers. The firstmaterial is a thin nylon that composes the interior lining 210 of thebackpack 200. The second material is a recycled sign material that isflexible, waterproof, and mildew resistant. This second materialcomposes a first portion of the exterior lining 220. The third materialis a canvas material that composes a second portion of the exteriorlining 230.

In some embodiments, an interior lining could further comprise arecycled sign material to increase the durability of the interiorlining. For example, if the bottom portion of the interior liningcomprised a recycled sign material, the interior lining would likely nottear even if sharp corners of a book or other object were repeatedlyrubbing against those portions.

FIG. 3 shows a portion of paddle bag of the inventive subject matter.Paddle bag 300 is configured to store, transport and protect a paddle orother long or substantially flat object(s). Paddle bag comprises alength 360 that is at least 10 times greater than a width 370, and atleast 20 times greater than a depth (not shown).

Bag 300 comprises an exterior layer that includes a recycled signmaterial 310 having logos 315A-C, an outer perimeter lining 320 thatcomprises a second recycled sign material, a zipper 330, a strap 340,and a strap cushion 350. Strap cushion 350 can comprise any suitablematerial or materials, including for example a recycled sign material, acanvas, a nylon, a cotton, a rubber gripping material, a padding (e.g.,foam, gel, polyethylene, cross linked polyethylene foam, neoprene,etc.), or any other commercially suitable material.

When zipper 330 is unzipped (See FIG. 4), interior lining 380 can beexposed. Interior lining 380 can comprise a third recycled signmaterial, which can include matter protected by intellectual property(e.g., trademark or copyrighted work, etc.). In such a scenario, careshould be taken to avoid infringement upon the trademark or copyright(e.g., obtain a license, use portions not incorporating the trademark orcopyrighted work, use a back side of the sign, etc.). Other contemplatedmaterials can comprise, among other materials, velvet, velveteen, fur,suede, poly-ethylene resin, an adhesive, leather, or silk.

In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, it is contemplated thata retailer or service provider, such as a grocery store chain, canfurther utilize a billboard sign or other sign that was created foradvertisement purposes. For example, where a jewelry store chain hasexpended a great deal of money to create a billboard advertisement, thecompany can request that the advertisement material be returned to themwhen it is scheduled to be taken down or covered up, and use thatsignage material to create bags or jewelry boxes that can serve as apromotional tool or purchasable inventory items. As another example,Mac™ cosmetics can utilize their own advertisements comprising an imageof a model, singer or actress to promote its goods to consumers drivingon a specific street (e.g., via a billboard sign, etc.). Mac™ can thenobtain these signs and turn them into make-up bags, brush bags, make-upcases, cases for compacts, make up palettes, or any other bag or casethat can be given or sold to its customers. These bags and cases can bemade of expensive and durable material that would have otherwise beenwasted, and optionally be sold at a low price because it will also serveas an advertisement medium for the company.

Another example of a retailer further utilizing a billboard sign canrelate to a retailer of computing devices, such as Apple™, Microsoft™,or HP™. These companies can have various billboard advertisements, busstop advertisements and other advertisements being displayed usingvarious recyclable sign materials at any given time. Some of thesecompanies also sell laptop cases, mobile phone cases, tablet cases,laptop bags, and so forth, often involving third party manufacturers andretailers. These cases can be very expensive because of the types ofmaterials required to protect computing devices and the consumer desireto protect their valuable electronic goods. The companies could recycletheir prior displayed advertisements and use them to make the cases andbags described above. Moreover, these companies could simply havebillboard material printed with their logo, trademark, advertisement,imagery, etc. and use them to create bags and cases without ever usingthem as displayed billboard signs. The company would still beadvertising their products and brands via the consumers carrying thesebags and cases, and would not be required to pay to lease a billboardspace.

It is contemplated that each bag can be unique (i.e., visually differentfrom other bags), or standardized (i.e., comprising the same logo,image, text, or designs).

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a water-board (e.g., boogie board, surfboard,etc.) bag of the inventive subject matter. Bag 500 comprises an interiorpocket 510, and a zipper 520 that extends across a portion of a length530 and a width 540 thereof. Bag 500 further comprises a removableinterior addition 550 that can be secured to an interior lining of bag500 via any suitable fastener 560 (e.g., hook and loop, buttons, snaps,zipper, tie-down, etc.).

A removable interior addition (e.g., 550) can be any suitable size andshape and can comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, theaddition can be provided for decorative purposes. In some otherembodiments, the addition can be provided for the purpose of drying offan item (e.g., an item to be placed in bag 500). For example, aterrycloth addition configured to cover substantially all of an interiorlining can be provided. When a wet surfboard or other item is placedwithin bag 500, the terrycloth addition can be configured to soak up anywater that may have remained on the board. Once the board is removed,the terrycloth addition can be removed from bag 500 and washed in anysuitable manner (e.g., machine wash, hand wash, dry clean, etc.). Beforethe bag is used again, the addition can again be removeably fastenedalong an interior lining of the bag 500.

It is also contemplated that a removable exterior addition can beprovided that is configured to removeably couple with an exterior liningof a bag. Moreover, a non-removable portion of a bag can comprise aterrycloth or other drying material.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a bag of the inventive subject matter thancomprises an optional padding layer. Bag 600 comprises a guitar bag ofthe inventive subject matter. Guitar bag 600 comprises recycled signmaterial 610 and second material 620 that sandwiches a padding material630. While padding material 630 is typically not exposed, a portion ofbag 600 was cut to expose the various layers thereof. A guitar of anyother suitable instrument can be placed in interior compartment 660.Once zipper 640 is fastened, it is contemplated that recycled signmaterial 610 can protect the guitar against water and other damage,while padding 630 can provide further protection against an impact. Bag600 can further comprise a grommet 650 or other accessory configured toaccept a hanger, clip, carabiner or other suitable device (as shown inFIG. 7).

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a bag of the inventive subject matter having atleast two functionalities. Bag 800 comprises an interior/top layer 810and an exterior/bottom layer 820, each of which can comprise a recycledsign material (or any other contemplated material). In this example, afirst drawstring 830 is threaded through a first outer perimeter portion840 of bag 800, while a second drawstring 835 is threaded through asecond outer perimeter portion 845 of bag 800. In other embodiments, anouter perimeter portion or some other portion can comprise a zipper thatcouples an interior layer and an exterior layer, or provides an openingin a single layer.

In embodiments that comprise one or more drawstrings (and some otherembodiments), it is contemplated that a substantially flat bag (e.g., abag having a length to depth ratio of more than 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, or even100:1 or more) or sheet of material can be folded to form a bag via apulling of the drawstring(s). Thus, the device can be used as a bag tocarry a swimsuit, goggles, towel, or any other items to a location, andthen be flattened/loosened for use as a drying mat, seat cushion (e.g.,when a padding layer is included between the interior and exteriorlayers, etc.), or any other suitable mat or seat.

In embodiments that comprise one or more zippers, it is contemplatedthat the bag can be used to store, transport or protect items stored inthe bag, and also serve as a cushion or a mat at the same time. In suchembodiments, an item inserted into the bag (e.g., in a compartmentopened by the zipper, etc.) can serve as a padding or cushion for auser.

It is contemplated that bags having multiple functionalities can be usedto carry a bathing suit, suntan lotion, clothes, socks, or any othersuitable item(s), and simultaneously or alternatively be used to standon, sit on, or change clothes on.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 each show a different bag of the inventive subjectmatter. Bag 900 comprises a tote bag that includes a laptop compartment910, and bag 1000 comprises a backpack of the inventive subject matter.

It is contemplated that a bag according to the inventive subject mattercould be manufactured in any commercially suitable way. For example,each of the materials used could be cut according to at least onetemplate. Each of the cut materials, along with any fasteners, logos, orother additions, could then be sewn, glued, or otherwise coupled withone another.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag comprising: an interior lining and anexterior lining; wherein the interior lining comprises a first material,an exterior lining comprises a second material; wherein the interiorlining and exterior lining sandwich a padding layer; and wherein atleast one of the first and second materials comprises a recycled signmaterial.
 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first material comprisesrecycled sign material.
 3. The bag of claim 1, wherein both the firstand second materials comprise recycled sign material.
 3. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein the padding layer comprises at least one of a foam anda gel.
 4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material is asynthetic material comprising a polyvinyl chloride.
 5. The bag of claim1, wherein the recycled sign material is substantially water-proof. 6.The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign material comprises aplastic having a UV-protectant additive.
 7. The bag of claim 1, whereinthe recycled sign material comprises three layers, and wherein the threelayers collectively comprise two vinyl layers sandwiching a polyestermesh material.
 8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the recycled sign materialcomprises at least one of a logo or trademark of an entity associatedwith a manufacturer of the bag.
 9. The bag of claim 1, wherein therecycled sign material comprises at least one of a waterproof polymertarp, and a polyester tarp coated with urethane.
 10. The bag of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first and second materials comprises apolymer, and wherein the polymer is at least one of a polyethylene, apolyester, a woven polypropylene, and a vinylic polymer.
 11. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second materialscomprises at least one of a cotton, a canvas, a natural rubber, and apolyamide.
 12. A bag comprising: an interior lining attached to anexterior lining; wherein the interior lining comprises a first material;wherein the exterior lining comprises a second material different fromthe first material; wherein at least one of the interior lining and theexterior lining comprises a recycled sign material; wherein at least oneof the interior lining and the exterior lining comprises a first outerperimeter portion and a second outer perimeter portion; and wherein atleast one of the first and second outer perimeter portions comprises afirst fastener.
 13. The bag of claim 12, further comprising a secondfastener, wherein the first fastener comprises a first drawstring thatextends across a first outer perimeter portion, and wherein the secondfastener comprises a second drawstring that extends across a secondouter perimeter portion.
 14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the firstfastener comprises a zipper, and wherein the bag is configured for useas a bag and a drying mat simultaneously.
 15. A water-board bagcomprising: an interior lining coupled with an exterior lining; whereinat least one of the interior lining and exterior lining comprises arecycled billboard material; wherein the exterior lining comprises alength, a width, and a depth; wherein the length is at least 35 inches;wherein a length to width ratio is at least 5:1; and wherein a length todepth ratio is at least 10:1.
 16. The bag of claim 15, furthercomprising a padding layer, wherein the padding layer is sandwichedbetween the interior lining and the exterior lining.
 17. The bag ofclaim 15, wherein each of the interior lining and exterior liningcomprises recycled billboard material.
 18. The bag of claim 17, whereinthe bag is reversible.
 19. The bag of claim 15, further comprising adrying later removably coupled with the interior lining.